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Medically Reviewed by Dr. Deepthi Jammi, MS (OB/GYN), Fetal Medicine Specialist – 15+ Years Experience
- The baby’s position in an anomaly scan is important for closely monitoring the baby’s structures.
- If the baby’s position is not ideal, it might make it difficult for your doctor to assess the structures.
- You might be called the next day for a repeat scan.
Introduction
An anomaly scan is one of the crucial pregnancy scans that helps the doctor examine your baby’s structures closely and rule out any abnormalities.
However, the baby’s position in anomaly scan can impact visibility.
If the baby is not in an ideal position, doctors might suggest that you take a walk and repeat the scan after some time to check if the baby’s position has changed.
If not, they might ask you to come again the next day for a repeat scan.
What is the best position for a baby in an anomaly scan?
Although there isn’t one ideal position for the baby in an anomaly scan, doctors usually prefer the baby to be lying on their side.
The ideal position can change depending on which part of the baby is being examined, and the baby may need to move a little so the doctor can get a complete view.
Why does the baby’s position matter in an anomaly scan?
Visibility: The baby’s position during an anomaly scan affects how clearly the doctor can see important parts, including the brain, heart, spine, face, stomach, and limbs.
Blocking certain parts: If the baby is turned away, curled up, or covering parts with hands or legs, it can block the view.
Time taken: If the baby is in a good position, the scan is quick and smooth.
Need for a repeat scan: If the baby isn’t in the ideal position even after some time, you may be asked to come again a day or two later for a repeat scan.
Can a baby’s position affect anomaly scan results?
Yes, but only in terms of visibility. If the baby’s position in anomaly scan is not ideal, the doctor may not be able to check everything clearly in one session.
That’s why some people are asked to come back for a repeat scan. It’s simply to get clearer images and complete the scan.
What positions can make the Anomaly scan difficult?
Certain positions can make it harder for the doctor to complete the 5th month anomaly scan:
- Baby facing downward (towards your spine)
- Baby curled into a tight ball
- Hands or legs covering the face or chest
- Baby staying in same position (Baby is Resting)
How to change the baby’s position for an anomaly scan
If your Baby’s not in position for an anomaly scan, small actions can help:
- Take a short walk
- Drink water
- Eat something sweet
- Change your lying position
What to do if the baby is not in the right position?
If baby is not in position for an anomaly scan, the doctor may ask you to:
- Wait for sometime and repeat the scan
- Come back the next day for a repeat scan.
When should you be concerned?
Most of the time, position-related issues are not a cause for concern. However, you should follow up properly if:
- Multiple scans still cannot capture certain structures
- The doctor specifically mentions difficulty unrelated to position
- You are advised additional tests beyond a repeat scan.
Conclusion
Baby’s position in anomaly scan can sometimes make the process quick and easy, or a little time-consuming.
In most cases, it’s completely normal if the baby isn’t in the right position right away.
Babies move often, and a small change in position is usually enough to complete the scan.
The most important part of the scan is getting clear visibility so the doctor can check every part properly.
If you’re asked to wait or come back for a repeat scan, it’s simply to get better images and finish the scan accurately.
For a detailed anomaly scan with expert care, you can contact Jammi Scans. The scan is personally done by Dr. Deepthi Jammi, who explains the findings clearly and helps you understand the next steps.
Call 7338771733 to book your appointment.
FAQs
1. Can anomaly scan be incomplete due to baby position?
Yes, it’s quite common. If the baby’s position in anomaly scan isn’t ideal, some parts may not be visible, leading to an incomplete report. In such cases, you will be asked to come again the next day to complete the scan.
2. Is it normal for baby to face down during anomaly scan?
Absolutely Yes. Babies move frequently, and facing down is one of many normal positions.
3. How long does an anomaly scan take if baby is not in position?
If the baby isn’t in a good position during an anomaly scan, the duration of the scan can extend. It can take anywhere between 30 minutes to even a few hours.
In some cases, if the baby doesn’t change its position, your doctor may ask you to come back the next day for a repeat scan.
4. Does placenta position affect baby’s position during the scan?
While placental position can have a mild impact on the visibility of the baby’s structures, it does not affect the baby’s position.
5. Does baby sleeping affect position during anomaly scan?
Yes, a sleeping baby may stay still in one position, making it harder to get clear images of the all the major structures.
Reviewed by Dr. Deepthi Jammi - Fetal Medicine Specialist
Dr. Deepthi Jammi (Director, Jammi Scans) is a qualified OB/GYN and Post-Doc in Maternal Fetal Medicine. As a pregnancy ultrasound expert, she is passionate about healthy pregnancies and works towards spreading awareness on the latest diagnostic options available for parents to choose from. Dr.Deepthi has received gold medals and awards in Fetal Medicine at international and national conferences, and has appeared in numerous prestigious regional magazines and TV interviews.

